The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is more than just a test—it's a vital academic checkpoint that determines how well students are mastering grade-level standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. As the 2025–2026 school year approaches, preparation for the IAR becomes increasingly important for students, parents, and teachers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how to prepare for the IAR test with actionable strategies, expert tips, and helpful resources like IAR practice tests.
What Is the IAR Test?
The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is administered annually to students in Grades 3 through 8 and aligns with the Illinois Learning Standards, which are based on the Common Core. It is a statewide test that measures proficiency in Mathematics and ELA, including reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and vocabulary.
Key Features of the IAR:
Administered online
Two main subjects: Math and English Language Arts
Includes Multi-Disciplinary Tasks (MDTs) in ELA
Focuses on critical thinking and application of knowledge
Why It Matters:
Measures readiness for high school and college-level work
Evaluates individual student growth year-over-year
Used for school accountability under ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare for the IAR Test
Step 1: Understand the Test Format and Standards
Familiarity with the IAR’s structure is the foundation of successful preparation. Each grade level has different content expectations based on the Illinois Learning Standards.
ELA Section Includes:
Reading literary and informational texts
Answering multiple-choice and evidence-based questions
Writing essays and short responses (narrative, opinion, and informative)
Math Section Includes:
Solving multi-step problems
Understanding concepts in algebra, geometry, and data
Explaining mathematical reasoning
Use IAR practice tests to preview real test question types and online tools.
Step 2: Review Grade-Level Curriculum
It’s important that students are comfortable with the material taught in their grade level. Parents can support this by:
Reviewing the school’s curriculum or syllabus
Accessing the Illinois State Board of Education website for standards
Talking to teachers about core concepts covered throughout the year
Parent Tip:
Ask for your child’s most recent assessment reports or classroom test results to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses.
Step 3: Build a Study Routine Early
Consistency is key when preparing for a standardized test. Cramming before the test leads to stress and low retention. Instead, create a manageable weekly study schedule with short, focused sessions.
Example Weekly Plan:
Monday/Wednesday: 30 minutes of reading + discussion
Tuesday/Thursday: 30 minutes of math problem-solving
Friday: Review errors from practice questions
Weekend: One full-length section from an IAR practice test
Step 4: Practice with Realistic IAR Practice Tests
Nothing beats hands-on practice. Online IAR practice tests simulate the testing environment, allowing students to get comfortable with both the content and the digital interface.
Benefits of Practice Tests:
Build familiarity with question formats
Help with time management and pacing
Provide performance insights
Reduce test anxiety through repetition
Step 5: Strengthen Foundational Skills
To succeed on the IAR, students must have a solid grasp of grade-level foundational skills:
For Math:
Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
Fractions and decimals
Word problems and logic
Geometry and data interpretation
For ELA:
Vocabulary development
Reading comprehension strategies
Grammar and sentence structure
Essay organization and paragraph writing
Parents can support learning by using:
Educational apps
Printable worksheets
Flashcards for vocabulary and math facts
Reading books together and discussing themes
Step 6: Focus on Writing and Open-Ended Questions
The IAR includes constructed response and extended response items, especially in ELA, where students must write essays.
To prepare:
Practice answering text-dependent questions
Use graphic organizers for essay planning
Practice responding in complete sentences with evidence
Review grammar and punctuation rules
Encourage students to write 3–5 sentence responses to articles, stories, or real-world scenarios to improve written communication.
Step 7: Track Progress and Adjust
Tracking progress allows students to see improvement and adjust strategies as needed.
Tools to Track Learning:
Lumos Learning’s online platform provides progress dashboards
Use a simple study journal to note scores and reflections after each practice test
Create a checklist of IAR skills and mark completed areas
Tracking data helps identify:
Which question types need more practice
Whether time management is improving
If comprehension and accuracy are increasing
Step 8: Improve Test-Taking Strategies
In addition to content, students need test-taking strategies:
Key Tips:
Read instructions carefully
Use process of elimination
Highlight key details in passages
Double-check work if time allows
Use scratch paper for math problems
Parents can simulate test-day scenarios at home, including time limits and a quiet environment.
Step 9: Take Care of Mental and Physical Health
Test success isn’t just academic—it’s also about well-being.
Encourage:
Adequate sleep (at least 8 hours)
Balanced meals, especially before test days
Brain breaks during study sessions
Physical activity and relaxation techniques
Reduce stress by reminding students that the IAR is an opportunity to show what they know, not a punishment.
Step 10: Prepare for Test Day
The night before and the morning of the test are critical. Ensure your child:
Packs everything they need (e.g., school ID, water bottle)
Gets to bed early
Eats a healthy breakfast
Arrives at school on time
Mentally, they should feel prepared, calm, and focused. Use affirmations like: “You’ve practiced hard—you’re ready!”
Final Thoughts
The IAR doesn’t have to be intimidating. With early preparation, structured practice, and access to reliable resources like the Lumos Learning IAR practice tests, every student can walk into the exam room feeling confident and capable.
As a parent or educator, your role is to provide guidance, encouragement, and the right tools. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll help your student not only perform better on the 2025–2026 IAR but also grow academically for the future.
